A Must Try, Whipped Cauliflower...

Usually I do not post recipes. It is not that I think it is odd or that I do not want to, I usually just don't think to post such things. Anyway, the recipe to follow is a great addition to anyone's shortlist of go-to dinner items.

So here it is... Whipped Cauliflower.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place cauliflower in a steamer basket; place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly.
2. Place the milk and oil in a blender or food processor. Add the cauliflower, salt and pepper; cover and process until blended. Transfer to a bowl. Serve immediately.

Nutrition:

• Nutritional Analysis: 1/2 cup equals 105 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 199 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein.

You can add a bit less liquid to make the mix more solid, but with this ratio they turn out light a delicious. I honestly think they are better than mashed potatoes (they even take less time to make).

I would recommend serving with steak (or another kind of red meat) and pair with a red wine such as Sangiovese, Syrah or maybe a Spanish Gernache or Tempranillo.

Bon appetit!

Life Moves Fast...

If you thought life was moving fast before, well it just became faster. I am now the proud owner of a new road bike (actually used but new to me).

As I took my new bike out for a ride today I realized how out of shape I am. After eight miles at an average of 14 mph I had yet to break a decent sweat, but my legs were burning. So my short half-hour ride would have to do.

On another note, Jess and I went to Immanuel Lutheran's school auction last night. We had planned on going throughout the night without bidding on anything. It was about halfway through the silent auction when we placed a bid on something. The item, and the rest of the items at that table, was closing within 3 minutes. I knew the family who had placed the starting bid before us and saw them sitting across the room. After strategically placing a bid the item closed.

We won our item. It feels nice, usually I am outbid at the last second on eBay, but here we won. I am sure you are all wondering what we won. Before I take all the fun out of the suspense I will say it is something that I need more than a new bike. I am absolutely awful at this activity.

If you have not yet guessed, we bid on and won a private dance lesson at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brookfield. There is also another hour of time we get at the studio to practice what we learned. Now I will not make a fool of myself on June 26th.

Watch out world J. Smith will soon be able to dance without looking like a fool.